The world fractures, the room disappears, not physically, only mentally. One moment turning his head to the noise and the next he's somewhere else entirely. The first sense coming to him is the sound of boots hammering against the floor, the next his touch. Feeling the concrete below him he feels himself power through continuing on for his destination which he didn't know yet. Then his smell, but nothing came yet the stench of sterility almost as if nothing was there. Penultimately taste, not physically tasting anything but feeling a taste of dread as if something imminent is coming. Finally his sight returns showing an old wooden corridor with no windows, a warm light and a door vastly approaching. Approaching the door a single insignia is imprinted. One he knew, and one he now knows. And that's when it struck him, it isn't reality, it's a memory. A heavy feeling settles into his chest as he is in the body of Dr Jake Wilson. And he feels himself go numb returning to the past.
No knock, only the sound of the door creaking open as I enter. The room is unchanged, a small table in the middle and chairs surrounding it. All occupied. Lights to the side of the room purposefully dimmed to minimills identification, an effective measure of safety. Walking to the table they all look up beckoning me to sit, which I do pulling out a chair for myself. A chime of the grandfather clocks indicates the new hour has started, and therefore the meeting as well. "Dr Wilson" One of them acknowledges me personally, not out the usual. Replying strictly "You requested me again." There is no reason to waste time on formalities, it's a measly thing to do. "We have discussed and reviewed separate reports from sources" another responds sliding a folder to me. Opening it I begin to read, all the data showing a decline in the key for our success. Production has decreased by 0.7. That can't be, everything should be going fine, I know it because I check everything myself that's necessary. "Can the government compensate this" one mutters almost rhetorically, I know he knows the answer. I am confident, because the data shows it. "They are proposing solutions, however I believe they are attempting to aim for the symptoms of the issue and not the root cause, it's leading me to believe there could be a traitor" I reply automatically. I have put a lot of thought in to it myself, otherwise I wouldn't state it. "Don't be ridiculous, there is no spy" one states almost chuckling to himself. That can't be, the government has always handled causes, not symptoms of the issue, why has it changed now? "However, we can agree on one thing, the government needs to change, this is partially our fault. We installed them after the last one, believing it to be the correct choice, now we know they are becoming slack even with a lack of emotions." One states, "and therefore I propose a solution, restructuring." Different sources of data in my mind come together as one: population trends, resource projections, social modelling, historical trends in emotional context and behavioural studies. From all of this only one thing is clear to me. Another folder is slid across to me as they gesture me to open it, no need as that is the logical thing to do. I begin reading it narrowing down the contents to the key points: military deployments, supply chains, projected unrest and movement forecasts. The objective speaks for itself. Rebellion. Flipping the page there is even more and once again I narrow it all down: projected casualties, economic disruption, infrastructure damage, environmental damage and finally a success probability. 100%. Knowing my place I already understand the government isn't informed. "We need you to make an injection the for the military for the rebellion we are planning, you can take your leave now." Walking out I understand my task. And the memory shatters.
I stand up gasping for air as Rose grabs onto my arm helping me balance questioning me "Are you okay? what's wrong?" But before I can answer the sounds of boots emerge "Put your hands up" a voice commands, turning around I see soldiers, quite a lot of them. Fearing for my life I put my hands up and so does Rose. "Search the room soldiers" the voice barks again. With guns being pointed at me I don't know what to think, if I was Jake right now I could handle it, diffuse the situation with logic. As the search continues I think on the memory and every last detail. All I was told to do was make an injection. Wait.... What the fuck. Just an injection. That's it, that's all. My only order. So why am I here, why am I Will, why was I Noah. Why am I thinking so logically right now? I was just a tool, that's it, my entire existence in this life was to be used. Following the government and the internal authority. They knew what would happen to me, of course they would. They planned it. Clenching my hands I begin to feel everything come together, every memory. I need to do this, I can't let these soldiers be used like tools. And, smiling to myself, I have to do it for Rose. "Sir, the computer they are on has access to confidential files from Dr Wilsons work. Smirking to myself, I realise it. I can do more, I can be better. I need to become. Stated aloud with as much authority I can "That's because I am him. The world renowned Dr Jake Wilson." Silence, it's as if the world was frozen, yet I knew everything mind was thinking so I continue. "Think about it, how would someone like me get access to arguably some of the most private and confidential files ever made? It's just not logical is it. From everything I know however, one thing is for certain. There will be no more tools in this war." As soon as I finish speaking shouts can be heard as more people rush in to the room with guns, yet I don't feel scared anymore. "Put your weapons down" Dr Goult bellows as all the soldiers do understanding if they don't they will die. "All of your along that wall" he finishes as they all move to stand against it. Lowering my hands I take hold of Roses squeezing it gently, as a silent gesture of comfort. "I presume you secured my lab? And knowing you I suggest you give these men the new antidote you made" I say to Dr Goult as I see him smile. "Well shit, what do I call you know, Jake? Noah? Will?" he laughs aloud. Hearing Rose whisper in my ear "I am proud of you Will, let's end this war."
Shortly after all the soldiers are given the new antidote and begin to walk around and talk, slowly getting used to the new feelings. Emotions.
"He knows."